Performance Scientist, LAFC 2 and Academy - MLS Job at Los Angeles Football Club

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OVERVIEWThe Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

POSITION SUMMARYThe Performance Scientist, LAFC 2 & Academy, is responsible for enhancing and supporting player fitness, health, safety, and performance on the field while complying with all MLS, MLS NextPro, and MLS Next league policies and protocols. This role utilizes data science and data visualization to facilitate conversations, create insights, and develop programming for players in the areas of performance, injury prevention, medical, and return to play. This role reports to the Performance Manager.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS* Manage all data streams including in-training and game tracking.

• Evaluate player performance through performance testing, workload monitoring, and other team-specific metrics
• Utilize team-specific collected data to educate, counsel, and provide feedback to staff and players regarding strategies to improve performance.
• Design, modify and apply assessment protocols and methods to analyze the demands of the sport and the capabilities of the LAFC 2 and Academy athletes.
• Analyze performance data using sports science technologies to provide insights for optimizing training and recovery.
• Educate athletes and staff on scientific principles related to performance, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Maintain accurate records of performance metrics, training loads, and recovery data.
• Stay current with sports science research and advancements to ensure best practices are applied.
• Support the development of a data-driven approach to athlete management and performance enhancement.
• Manage, design, and implement weight room physical testing protocols
• Collaborate with the Strength and Conditioning, Medical, and Performance team in the designing and administering of individualized pre-training activation protocols, in-season strength training sessions, and perform activation/regeneration sessions as needed.
• Support the Strength and Conditioning, Performance, and Medical teams with performing all on-field warmups and end-stage rehab sessions as needed
• Document in the League Electronic Medical Record system
• Serve as a liaison with the league and ensure team compliance with MLS Medical Manual and league policies and procedures.
• Other duties and tasks as designated by Supervisor/Management.

QUALIFICATIONS* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/ University in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field or National Federation’s equivalent required. Master’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role required, at an elite/professional sports team, or MLS Academy preferred.
• Must have the Certified Performance Sports Scientist (CPSS) certification by NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association).
• Must have the Certified Strength and Conditioning certification by the NSCA, UKSCA, ASCA or equivalent internationally recognized Strength and Conditioning certification.
• Must be CPR certified.
• Previous experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary sports medicine and sports science department is a plus.
• Excellent analytical skills with proven data visualization skills with Power BI or similar.
• Experience in utilizing sports science technologies, such as Catapult GPS, FirstBeat, and Vald Performance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to quickly build trust and relationships with players and staff.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to translate data information and communicate effectively and efficiently in English - both verbal and written.
• Flexible work schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.
• Must be able to obtain or have a valid and current U.S. passport and travel with team as needed.

SALARY RANGEAt LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training; and other business and organizational needs. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the overall range for this role is $70,000 - $75,000 per year.
HIRING PRACTICESThe preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

LAFC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.